Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (Print)

Classic Roman pasta tossed with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. Silky, savory, and ready in 25 minutes.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz spaghetti

→ Cheese & Spices

02 - 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
03 - 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, plus extra for serving

→ Others

04 - Salt for pasta water

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
02 - In a large skillet over low heat, toast black pepper for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add 1/2 cup of reserved hot pasta water to the skillet with pepper and let it simmer.
04 - Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the peppery water.
05 - Gradually sprinkle in Pecorino Romano while tossing and stirring vigorously until cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. Add more reserved pasta water as needed for silky texture.
06 - Serve immediately, topped with additional Pecorino Romano and freshly cracked black pepper.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It uses only three core ingredients but tastes like youve been cooking all day.
  • The technique teaches you more about emulsification than any cooking class ever could.
  • Its ready in the time it takes to boil pasta, making it perfect for weeknights or late-night cravings.
  • The peppery bite against creamy cheese feels indulgent without being heavy.
02 -
  • The pan must not be too hot when you add the cheese, or it will seize into grainy clumps instead of melting smoothly.
  • Toss vigorously and add pasta water in small amounts—the starch in that water is what creates the creamy emulsion.
  • Freshly grated cheese is non-negotiable, pre-grated varieties contain anti-caking agents that ruin the texture.
03 -
  • Use a wide skillet instead of a deep pot so you have more room to toss and emulsify the sauce.
  • Save more pasta water than you think you need, its easier to add than to run back and boil more.
  • If the sauce breaks, add a tiny splash of cold water and toss hard to bring it back together.
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